Coin-controlled weighing-machine.



No. 792.694 PATENTED JUNE 20, 1905. A. A. GAILLE. COIN CONTROLLED WEIGHING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED OCT. 29, 1903.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

g g AUGUSTE-A- CAILLE PATENTED JUNE 20, 1905.

A. A. OAILLE. COIN CONTROLLED WEIGHING MACHINE.

APPLICATION TILED OCT. 29, 1903.

2 BHEETSSHEBT 2.

UNITED STATES Patented June 20, 1905.

PATENT OFFICE.

AUGUSTE ARTHUR CAILLE, OF DET tOIT, MICHIGAN.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N0. 792,694, dated June 20, 1905.

Application filed October 29,1903. Serial No. 178.989.

To It IUZbOHt it 7111/07 concern:

Be it known that I, AUGUSTE ARTHUR CAILLE, a citizen of the United States, residing at Detroit, in the county of \Vayne and State of Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Coin-Controlled Weighing-Machineaof which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings.

The invention relates to coin-controlled weighing-machines; and it consists in certain features of construction, as will behercinafter set forth.

in the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view 01 the machine with a portion of the easing broken away to show the mechanism therein. Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the mechanism within the casing.

A is a weighing-platform, B the base containing the platform-levers, and C a column or standard projecting upward from the base and carrying at its upper end the casing D inclosing the controlling mechanism and carrying the index dial or scale.

The mechanism within the base may be of any suitable scale construction, and is therefore not illustrated.

E is the steelyard-rod extending upward from the levers in the base within the column C.

F is a yoke-frame to which the steelyardrod E is connected, and G is adash-pot within the yoke having its piston H connected thereto and serving to retard the oscillations of the rod E. I is another yoke or cross-bar connected with the yoke-frame F, and J represents the weighing-springs connected to the yoke l and at their upper ends soon red to bearings K on a framework L within the casing.

The weight indicating mechanism comprises an index-hand M, which is adapted in the operation of the machine to travel to a position determined by the amount of weight on the platform. This index is, however, normally locked from operation and is only released upon the insertion of a coin. The mechanism for (,letermining the movement of the index-hand when released comprises a movable arm U, which is actuated by connection with the steelyard-rod and forms a stop for arresting the index-hand.

O is a pinion for actuating the arm N, which in turn is actuated by a rack P, connected at its lower end with a crossbar 1. Thus the vertical movement of the cross-bar I under the actuation of the steelyard-rod will cause the rack P to rotate the pinion O and turn the stop-arm N to the position determined by the weight on the platform.

The index M is secured to an arm M, which is journaled in the frame to be free to swing through a segment so as to carry the index in adjacencc to the dial or scale M bearing the weight-indications. The arm M is preferably fulcrumed in axial alinement with the arm N and pinion O, and, as shown, this is accomplished bysleeving the arm M upon the rockshaft 0, carrying the pinion O and arm N.

Q is a latch-arm secured to the arm M and adapted to engage with a lug Q on the frame, thereby holding the arm M in its initial position that is, where the index points to Zero. The latch-arm Q extends into the path of the coin, which latter is inserted through a slot in the machine, and passes downward through a chute B, through a slot in which the arm Q extends. Thus chute R continues downward beyond the latch-arm, and finally discharges in a receptacle R for holding the coin. 4

The arm M is released by the disengagement of the latch-arm Q from the lug Q, which is caused by the striking of the coin againstv said latch-arm. This will permit the arm M to swing upon its axis until arrested by contact with the stop-arm N, which is arranged to always be in the path of a projecting finger a. on the arm M. The arm M is actuated by any suitable propelling device, such as weight S, attached to thefiexible connection S, which passes over the segment S, attached to the arm M. This weight will actuate the arm M when released, and to prevent too sudden movement the weight is preferably arranged within a dash-pot S, containing oil or some suitable medium for retarding its movement. Thus whenever a weight on the platform has moved the stop-arm N and the arm 3 has been released through the insertion of a coin the latter arm will be actuated by the weight S until it is arrested by the finger a striking against the arm N, in which position the correct weight upon the platform is indicated by the index M.

One of the objects of my invention is to provide a mechanism which is preferably free to move under the actuation of the weight on the platform, and after it has assumed its correct position will be locked from movement before the index completes its movement.

Another object is to prevent the insertion of the coin and the consequent release of the index until the weight is upon the platform and has actuated the stop-arm M, thereby giving time for the locking to occur before the index is arrested.

The locking mechanism may be of any suitable construction, but preferably comprises a friction-locking dog, which is normally held free from its cooperating member, but is thrown into locking position by the movement of the index-arm. In the construction shown, P is a plain rod or bar intermediate the rack P and the cross-bar I.

P is a bifurcated bearing through which the rod P passes, and P is a friction-dog arranged intermediate the furcations of the bearing P and adapted to engage with the bearing P. The dog P preferably engages with the groove in the bearing P, which positions one end of said dog while permitting of a limited oscillation of the opposite end. The opposite end of the dog is extended to form an arm or lever P, which at its outer end is provided with a weight P, adapted to draw the dog downward into position to frictionally engage and lock with the rod P. This locking is caused by reason of the fact that the aperture in the plate P, which forms the dog, is but slightly greater in diameter than the rod P, so that while said rod is free to move when the plate P is in a plane at right angles to the axis of the rod a slight inclination of the plate will cause the binding of the rod with the edges of the aperture. To hold the dog normally in its releasing position, a link T is attached to the extension P of the dog and the upper end of this link is connected with a rock-arm T, and this rockarm is pivoted on the frame and extends in horizontal direction. T is another rock-arm connected with the rock-arm T and extending vertically, so as to form a bell-crank lever. The rock-arm T is connected by a link T with the rock-arm T on the frame and the latter carries an antifriction-roll T for engaging with the cam S on the segment S The mechanism just described is such that the movement of the segment S caused by the swinging of the arm M when released by the actuation of the coin will cause the cam S to move in relation to the rock-arm T As the rock-arm T normally bears against the cam with its antifriction-roll T it is evident that a movement of the cam will cause a corresponding movement of the rock-arm, which, through the link T*, rock-arms T and T and link T, will cause the lowering of the latter, permitting the lowering of the arm P, which will tilt the dog P and cause it to engage with the rod P. Thus the locking of the rod P only occurs after the movement of the segment S which latter being connected with the arm M is held stationary until said arm is released by the coin. In the locked position of the arm M the cam S will hold -the arm T in such a position that the intermediate mechanism will support the arm P" and hold the dog P in releasing position.

The insertion of the coin in the slot before the weight is upon the platform is prevented by a guard U, which in normal position extends into-a slot U in the coin-chute near the upper end thereof and interrupts the path of the coin. This guard is actuated by mechanism controlled by the movement of the weighing mechanism, preferably of the following construction.

V is a rock-arm pivoted in the frame and carrying a roll or bearing 6, which rests against the arm N in the normal position of the latter.

0 is a rod connecting the rock-arm V with a rock-arm (Z and a rock-shaft a, which carries the guard U.

f is a spring connected with the rod 0 and adapted to actuate the same in a direction to rock the shaft 0 and withdraw the guard U from the slot U. This movement is, however, prevented so long as the arm N is held in its normal position and bears against the roll 5 on the rock-arm V. When a weight is placed on the platform, the actuation of the arm N through the mechanism before described will withdraw it from contact with the roll 6 on the rock-arm V, permitting the latter to move under the actuation of the springf, which will cause the withdrawal of the guard from the slot.

The machine being constructed asshown and described the general operation is as follows: An operator desiring to ascertain his weight first steps upon the platform A. This will immediately cause the actuation of the steelyard rod E, which will draw the cross-head I downward against the tension of the springs J and will simultaneously actuate the rod P and rack-bar P. The latter through its engagement with the pinion 0 will swing the stop-arm N until a balance is reached. During this part of the operation all the parts of the mechanism are free to move, so that an exact balance is obtained and the stop-arm N N is positioned in exact accordance thereto. The movement of the stop-arm will withdraw the guard U, as has been already described, and will permit the operator to insert the coin through the slot into the chute R. When inserted, the coin will pass downward in the chute until it strilres against the latch-arm Q. The impact will be suiiicient to disengage said arm from the lug Q, which will permit the weight S to actuate the arm M through the medium of the connection S and segment S The arm M will travel slowly, due to the retarding effect of the liquid in the dashpot S" and will linally be arrested by the finger a striking against the stop-arm N. In the initial movement of the arm M the cam S will travel in relation to the roll T on the arm T so as to permit said arm to be moved in the direction of the arrow. The movement is caused by the weight P, which draws downward upon the link T, rocking the arms T and T, and draws upon the link T, which is connected to the rock-arml". As soon as the arm P descends it will tilt the dog P and cause it to lock the rod P. This will prevent further movement of the arm N, so that the striking of the finger (4 against said arm will not displace it from the position assumed in balancing the weight. The indication of the correct weight is given by the index M in conneetion with the scale indications on the easing. As shown, these indications are preferably arranged on a segmental plate \V, which is arranged in rear of a slot or transparent window \V in the casing, and the index M is preferably bent to travel in front of the segment, as shown in Fig. 2.

V hen the weight is removed from the platform, the cross-bar I will be lifted by the springs J and will cause the upward travel of the rod P and rack-bar P, while the latter through the pinion 0 will return the stoparm N to its normal position. The upward movement of the rod P is permitted, by reason of the fact that the dog P only looks said rod from downward movement. During upward movement any binding of the dog upon the rod is instantly relieved by the lifting of the weighted extension P. The returning stop-arm N will carry with it the arm M and index M, and as soon as the arm M is returned the latch-arm Q will reengage with the lug Q, so as to lock the index until again released by the coin. The stop-arm N will also strike against the roller 7) on the rock-arm V and actuate the latter, so as to again move the guard U into the slot U and prevent the insertion of the coin. The dog P" is moved into releasing position by the rcengagement of the cam S" with the roller T on the arm T, and thus the parts are all restored to normal position itLltOlllillliCflllX.

\Vhat I claim as my invention is-- 1. The combination of a freely-operable weighing mechanism and indicator, means for preventing the weighing indication during the movement of said mechanism in determining the weight, and means for automatically operating in advance of indication for locking said mechanism, said last-mentioned means being operable only upon the movement of said indicator.

2. The combination of a freely-operable weighing mechanism, an indicator inoperable during the initial movement of said mechanism in obtaining a balance, means for subsequently releasing said indicator, and means automatically operating in advance of indication for locking said mechanism, said lastmentioned means being operable by the initial movement of the indicator.

3. The combination with a freely-operable weighing mechanism, of a movable stop carried thereby, an indicator provided with independent actuating means for causing it to follow said stop, and normally locked from movement, means for releasing said indicator operable subsequent to the movement of said stop, and means operable upon the initial movement of the indicator for automatically locking said mechanism in advance of the arrest of said indicator by said stop.

4:. The combination with a weighing mechanism freely movable to obtain a balance, an indicator locked from operation, means for releasing said indicator and a friction-lock for said weighing mechanism operated by the in dicator upon its release.

The combination with a weighing mechanism freely operable to obtain a balance, of a reciprocating rod, a stop-arm operativel y associated with said reciprocatory rod, an indicator having independent actuating means for causing it to follow said stop, and normally locked from movement, a friction-dog for engaging with said reciprocatory rod normally held in releasing position, means for releasing said indicator and for causing the engagement of said friction-dog, after the release of the indicator.

6. The combination with a Weighing mechanism freely operable to obtain a balance, of a stop-arm pivoted to swing in a segment, an intermediate actuating, mechanism between said weighing mechanism, and said stop-arm comprising a rack, and pinion, and a reciprocatory rod and friction-dog embracing said rod, and normally held outof binding contact therewith, an indicator adapted to travel in a path adjacent to the path of said stop-arm until arrested by the latter, but normally locked from movement, means for releasing said indicator subsequent to the movement of said stop-arm, and means automatically operating upon the initial movement of the indicator for causing the binding of said friction-dog upon the release of said indicator.

7. The combination with a weighing mech anism of a stop-arm actuated thereby, a normally locked indicator adapted when released to move until arrested by said stop-arm, a segment connected with said indicator, an actuated weight connected with said segment by a flexible connection, a lock for said weighing mechanism, means for releasing said indica- ITO tor, and a cam on said segment for actuating said lock for the weighing mechanism upon the initial movement of said indicator.

8. The combination with a weighing mechanism, of a stop-arm actuated thereby, a normally locked indicator adapted when released I to move until arrested by said stop-arm, a lock for said weighing mechanism, a segment on the indicator, and'a cam associated with said segment for actuating said look upon the initial movement of the indicator.

9. The combination with a weighing mechanism, of a movable stop-arm actuated thereby, a normally locked indicator adapted when released to move until arrested by said stoparm, and cam-actuated means associated-with the indicator to lock said stop-arm upon the initial movement of the indicator.

10. The combination with a weighing mechanism, of a stop-arm actuated thereby and pivoted to swing in a segment, a normally locked indicator pivoted to swing until arrested by said stop-arm, means for releasing the indicator, and means operable upon the initial movement of the indicator for locking said stoparm in its adjusted position.

11. The combination with a weighing mechanism, of a stop-arm actuated thereby and pivoted to swing in a segment, a normally locked indicator pivoted to swing until arrested by said stop-arm, means for releasing the indicator, means operable by the initial movement of the indicator for locking said stop-arm in its adjusted position, and automatic means for returning the indicator and stop-arm to their initial positions.

12. In a coin-controlled machine, the combination with a weighing mechanism, of an indicator normally locked from movement, a

movable stop-arm for the indicator, a reciprocatory rod, a rack-and-pinion connection between the rod and movable stop-arm, means for releasing the indicator, and a lock arranged to engage said rod and lock the stoparm in its adjusted position in advance of the indication.

13. In a coin-controlled weighing mechanism, an indicator normally locked from movement, a movable stop-arm for-the indicator, a reciprocatory rod, a rack-and-pinion connection between the rod and movable stop-arm, means for releasing the indicator upon the release of the coin, and a friction-lock arranged to automatically engage said rod and lock the stop-arm in its adjusted position prior to the indication.

1 The combination of a freely-operable weighing mechanism and indicator, means for preventing the weighing indication during the movement of said mechanism in determining the weight, and means for automatically operating in advance of the indication for locking said mechanism, said last-mentioned means being operated by the indicator.

15. The combination of a freely-operable weighing mechanism, an indicator operable during the initial movement of said mechanism in obtaining a balance, means for subse-' quently releasing said indicator, means automatically operating in advance of indication for locking said mechanism, said last-mentioned means being operated by the indicator. In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

AUGUSTE ARTHUR GAILLE. Witnesses:

EMMA I. BARNES, JAMES P. BARRY. 

